Teacher Program Hopes To Pump Cybersecurity Careers in STEM Classes

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 01/26/15

CompTIA is teaming up with an online STEM career guidance service to promote jobs in cybersecurity to middle and high school students. The IT industry association is working with LifeJourney to develop "Cyber Teacher," an online professional development and certificate program to help teachers in grades 6-12 add cybersecurity lessons to their curriculum.

The expectation is that exposure to the topic will prompt more students to consider the field as a career choice. Eventually, the two organizations anticipate being able to provide lesson plans, resource materials, mentoring and industry data on cybersecurity for integration into STEM and career classes.

"Teachers are often key influencers and serve as career counselors to their students," noted LifeJourney CEO Rick Geritz. "Bringing the cybersecurity discussion into the classroom can be the spark that leads some students to seek out more advanced education, training and certifications on their way to careers in cybersecurity."

"Equipping our nation's teachers with skills and tools they can employ to make their students more cyber-aware will fill a critical need for greater cybersecurity awareness," added CompTIA CEO and President Todd Thibodeaux. "These lessons will have long-term relevance, whether students continue their education at higher levels or join the workforce."

Also contributing to the effort will be the Cyber Innovation Center, a Louisiana non-profit set up for academic outreach and workforce development. Up until now that outreach has focused on Louisiana schools.

Cyber Teacher is signing up interested educators at cybersecurityteacher.org.